Gaylord resident Melissa Dowlyn has earned a "Hero" award from Michigan Department of Human Services.

Dowlyn, an administrative support staff person with the Otsego County Department of Human Services in Gaylord, was one of 20 department employees from around the state honored for good work, teamwork and providing quality service.

Dowlyn was awarded the agency director's "Hero" award during a ceremony June 7 in Lansing. She has worked for the DHS for 18 years.

"Melissa is a unique individual who works with people in the community, helps elderly clients understand the 'spend down' portion of their medical coverage, and assists with blood drives," said Department of Human Services director Marianne Udow. "Aside from doing all this, she does her job as a receptionist and works with all new administrative support staff to understand their work assignments. She fulfills critical roles in her community and office."

The Hero award is part of the Department of Human Services Employee Recognition Program started by the department in 2004. Award winners were nominated by DHS employees and were selected for their leadership in the community, demonstrated excellence at work, and extraordinary service to families.

With more than 100 offices around the state, Michigan Department of Human Services is the state’s public assistance, child and adult welfare agency.

The department administers the federal TANF grant and Food Stamp Program (called Food Assistance in Michigan) and administers child and adult welfare programs including protective services, adoption and foster care. DHS staff also perform eligibility and case management for Medicaid and related medical assistance programs.

Special to the Gaylord Herald Times